The Civic Tower was built between the 12th and 13th centuries.
It is called "Torre Davanti" (Tower that is in front of) or "Torre Franca", because of its position at the entrance of the city.
The traces of the different dominations in the Middle Ages are preserved, as depicted on the large frescoes of the vault. The entrance door was also fortified by an additional wall, which made it the ideal place to offer refuge to government representatives and their garrison.
On the external facade of the tower you can admire the large blue clock face, surmounted by the lion of St. Mark with an open book (symbol of peace), commissioned by the Podestà Pietro Gradenigo in 1499.
